Friday, October 11, 2013

The Friday Forum - October 11

Woah! Amazon has launched its prestige Luxury Beauty Store. The site features 24 brands, including Burberry fragrances, Dr. Brandt Skincare, NARS, Jack Black, Deborah Lipmann, L’Occitane, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare, Stila, and more.

The shop, which is featured on the home page of Amazon’s main navigation bar, is a marked departure from the more commoditized areas of the Web site. The pages are much cleaner and more visual than a standard Amazon page, and the products - all of which have been photographed in-house - are larger.

Customers can shop by three main avenues: content, brand, or category. In all, there are six categories: Skin Care, Makeup, Fragrance, Hair Care, Men’s, and On Trend, which is based on content and trends created by a team of 12 editors. If you haven't checked it out yet, go!

I'm excited to have an appointment to see Tim Quinn at Neiman Marcus Saturday. I love my favorite Giorgio Armani ambassador. I don't care about having Tim sprinkle "fairy dust" on me. I'll take my time to talk to him about what's trending and what's coming. To make an appointment with Tim at Neiman Marcus Tyson's on Saturday, call Alejandra Paz at 703-761-1600, ext 3275.

To keep up with its competitors, Neiman Marcus has matched Nordstrom's free shipping and free returns for online buyers. No codes are required. It's about time! Will you buy more from them now?

It has been a long week. I did have an epidural Tuesday (shot of cortisone in my spine) to help alleviate the pain that starts in my spine and extends through my hip and into my right leg. I waited until I got to the excruciating stage before I made my appointment. You are only supposed to have two series of thee per year. I'm exceeding that. I do love feeling better. As you know, I can't get my spine replaced like I did my left knee. Too bad, I think.

Coming up here, I'll be telling you about NEST's Fine Fragrances, which are now available at Sephora - yea! I've been playing Sephora's daily games this week, trying to land on a 10% discount. So far, unfortunately, I've landed on deluxe samples only. I'm bummed about that.

It's time for the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

I'm sad to acknowledge the death of Scott Carpenter, the second American to orbit the Earth. At the age of 88, he passed away after a stroke. Now, of the original astronauts, only John Glenn survives. These were brave men. God speed, Scott Carpenter.

I hope you have a great weekend!

Photos courtesy of Amazon and NEST Fragrances

19 comments:

Trishb said...

CG, since I don't know which type of specialist you are seeing for your back pain, you may already be aware of the treatments I'm mentioning. Has your doc mentioned RFA (radio frequency ablation)? I know a few people who went through this after the epidural steroid treatments became less effective. Also, there's something called spinal neurostimulation which gave great relief to a coworker.

A Little Bit etc said...

I am so happy that Neimans and Bergdorf Goodman are finally offering free shipping/free returns. I only buy from Nordstrom even when I find something on another site because that policy made it so easy. I will probably be buying more from Neimans/BG now with their new policy.

Eileen said...

Good morning! I hope your sciatic pain has been alleviated even if only temporarily. Chronic pain can really wear a person down so it is good to get a break from it. Feeling better, you'll be able to fully enjoy your appointment with Tim Quinn--such a talented man! I hope you'll share some of the details from your appointment with us.

I was thrilled to see that Neiman's now offers free shipping. With so much competition for online customers, retailers have to offer incentives such as free shipping and Ebates cash back. Now, if only Saks would get with the program!

I was looking at some of the backstage pictures from Chanel's SS 2014 show and was impressed by the arresting look created for the models: Stark black or white wigs, barely there lips and cheeks, eyes boldly adored with slashes of black, white, and bold colors. It immediately brought to mind one of my favorite modern artists--Piet Mondrian. Remember when his strong geometric blocks of color bordered in black so strongly influenced YSL in the sixties? I also got a kick out of the necklace some of the models wore. It looked like they had a headset draped around their neck, but where the ear pieces would normally be, there were two giant pearls. It was a humorous and whimsical nod to Coco. Anyway, it will be interesting to see if Chanel's spring or summer cosmetic collections in any way reflect the runway looks.

Speaking of Chanel, I received my little pot of Initiation this week. After reading all the complaints about it resembling a small plug, it was with trepidation that I opened the jar, but mine was in perfect condition. Whew! Although this particular formula shrinks a bit as it dries out, some of those brand new ones looked very extreme. Glad mine wasn't one of them :-)

I picked up my Guerlain items this week. I only bought the Champs Élysées Météorites (pearls) and the Petite Robe Noire So Crazy Shimmer Powder--a totally unnecessary bit of silliness that makes me smile :-). Although the rest of the collection is pretty, those were the two items that spoke to me.

This year I am very interested in Dior's Golden Winter holiday collection. It's a pretty play of gold and pink that looks festive without being over-the-top. The two new quints offer beautiful selections of wearable holiday color and the new glosses also look promising. For gloss, Dior is one of my favorites.

Have a great Friday and an even better weekend, everyone!

Laura said...

I'm happy to hear about the free shipping from Neimans! I'll be much more likely to order from them now. I'll order from Amazon if it's something I can't get locally or if my local stores are out, since I have Amazon Prime (love that!).

I'm trying out the new nail polish formula (Formula X) from Sephora. So far so good, but I just got it yesterday. I will say it's thicker than I expected, but it dried quickly and didn't smudge (I'm not even particularly careful). I'm also planning on stopping by a Chanel counter this weekend and getting a few things from the Holiday collection. I'm most excited about the Illusion D'Ombres. I'm all about the sparkle so Initiation is coming home with me judging by your swatches.

As a personal note I have two herniated discs in my neck that aren't operable. I'd been in pain for over a year and it had gotten so bad I barely did more than go to work and come home, and working was becoming almost intolerable. After unsuccessful treatments I saw a spine specialist and got on Lyrica and it has done wonders. I'm not sure if you've seen a spine specialist, but it wasn't until I did that I finally got some relief. Even something like an at home tens unit might help. I'm sure you've investigated...it's just that now that I've gotten relief I want others to have the same since I know what chronic pain is like.

Laura said...

I'm happy to hear about the free shipping from Neimans! I'll be much more likely to order from them now. I'll order from Amazon if it's something I can't get locally or if my local stores are out, since I have Amazon Prime (love that!).

I'm trying out the new nail polish formula (Formula X) from Sephora. So far so good, but I just got it yesterday. I will say it's thicker than I expected, but it dried quickly and didn't smudge (I'm not even particularly careful). I'm also planning on stopping by a Chanel counter this weekend and getting a few things from the Holiday collection. I'm most excited about the Illusion D'Ombres. I'm all about the sparkle so Initiation is coming home with me judging by your swatches.

As a personal note I have two herniated discs in my neck that aren't operable. I'd been in pain for over a year and it had gotten so bad I barely did more than go to work and come home, and working was becoming almost intolerable. After unsuccessful treatments I saw a spine specialist and got on Lyrica and it has done wonders. I'm not sure if you've seen a spine specialist, but it wasn't until I did that I finally got some relief. Even something like an at home tens unit might help. I'm sure you've investigated...it's just that now that I've gotten relief I want others to have the same since I know what chronic pain is like.

LoveSugarBabyDoll said...

I hope you have found relief from your pain, dear CG.

Eileen! I had not seen the Dior Holiday collection until you reminded me. It does look fabulous. I still love my lipstick from last year's collection. can't wait to see these lippies in person. I am also very interested in the two palettes.

I am going to pop into Bloomingdale's next week. They are having a makeup event and I hope to play with Chanel and Guerlain collections.

This is a great Holiday makeup year! I seem to want something or a few things from each collection!

Deb said...

Echo the sentiments about Scott Carpenter. Sorry you are having pain, CG. I sympathize and empathize. I have a bone spur and degenerating disc in my neck which will require neurosurgery. Right now I'm choosing to live with the pain because I haven't gotten my head around having surgery so close to my spinal cord. I feel for you.

On the beauty front; you were right about the new Chanel blush, Accent. I finally got to swatch it at a counter. Beautiful color but what a glitter bomb! I was so disappointed; even though you said it had sparkles I was hoping that in person it would be bearable. It wasn't. The SA told me that it isn't selling well here. About 99% of the people that swatch it walk away. She also said some of the reps have been trying to get the company to tone down the glitter but they aren't having it. Oh well, at least there are many other brands out there as good, or better, than Chanel so we have choices. I guess glitter is selling somewhere, just not here in Phoenix.

Take care of yourself.

sunnlitt said...

Glad to hear that you are feeling better, Charleston Girl. Sorry to hear that things were so bad to begin with.

A few weeks ago, I asked for suggestions for eye primers. Eileen suggested that I be more specific. So here goes.
I like shimmery shadows, but they accentuate the texture of my over-50 eyelids. Does anyone have a suggestion for a primer that smooths out the wrinkles ( to some degree. I am not in total denial!!) so that my eyeshadow highlights my eyelid, but does not make my wrinkles even more noticeable?

Thanks, everyone, and I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend.

Jo said...

Hi CG,

Hope you're feeling better and you enjoy your appointment with Tim Quinn tomorrow. I got my Chanel Accent this week and love it!

I'm so glad Neiman's followed Nordstrom's lead. I never bought anything from Neiman's online without a free shipping code.

Hi Laura,

I bought Formula X in Fathom last Saturday and had a manicure on Sunday and just got the first small chips on the tips of may nails today. I really like the formula, it is thicker than other nail polishes but it goes on like a dream. One coat is almost enough but I always have two put on. I read about the product and the color in W magazine while I was having my hair done. I don't always go out and buy everything I see in a magazine but I've been looking for the perfect blue and Fathom fits the bill. Not quite navy but darker than slate. I love it! It looks great with my fair skin.

Hi Sunnlitt,

In the book Makeup Wakeup the authors Sandy Linter and Lois Joy Johnson recommend Benefit Stay Don't Stray primer for dry eyes. I've never tried it so I cannot recommend it personally but that is what the makeup artists recommend. You can probably get a sample from Sephora so You won't have to buy the product to try it.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Deb said...

Hi sunnlitt. I am almost 57 (next month) and struggling with the same issue in eyelid primers. I have tried so many I've lost count. I haven't found THE perfect product yet but so far I'm having very good results with two. One is the fairly new one from Clinique and the other is a primer pencil from Buxom. The Clinique one comes in colors and they tend to run dark. They are silicone based and can be a little tricky to work with because they don't play well with certain eye creams. For some reason, when I use a heavier eye cream, the Clinique tends to pill. No such issue with the Buxom. The Buxom has no color and I love it because it's clear and in chubby pencil form it is so easy to use. It literally takes seconds to swipe all over your eyelid. The Clinique helps hide some of the redness and veins so it's an all together different product. But whatever your needs, I have found that both of these help quite a bit with laying down a smooth layer so the creases aren't so noticeable. Also, you have to be careful with the Clinique, it will gather in the crease if you don't let it set first before opening your eye. It does set fairly quickly so it doesn't take too much extra time.

Soni said...

I am PMing you my Sephora 10% off code as I write. Hopefully you can still use it. :)

db01 said...

I am really liking the Laura Mercier Nail Lacquers. They are very long-wearing. The Bare Rose and Bare Angel shades are very nice pale neutrals. I hate the old base coat, color and top coat routine. I just swooped on a couple of coats of this. Di d my nails Monday and they still look good, no chips. Will buy other colors.

NeenaJ said...

Looking forward to a chill weekend as my husband is taking our 4yo to see his parents, so I'll be footloose and fancy-free! About time Neiman's hopped on the bandwagon. I absolutely refuse to pay for online shipping when there are free alternatives.

CG, I wish you luck with your back. I've watched my mom go through painful surgeries for hers over the years and a regimen of back strengthening and stretching exercises (and a soft mattress) have been her saviors.

sunnlitt, Urban Decay now makes an anti-aging shadow primer that has favorable reviews. Perricone MD makes an eye lid serum; it's a treatment, not a primer and the jury is mixed on its effectiveness. Ultimately, I think if you concentrate your shimmer in the center of the eyelid - rather than all over - it will still give the sparkle and lift you want without exacerbating the wrinkles.

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks, everyone. I tried not to make my back probs too graphic. I have scoliosis - actually unique. My spine bends in two directions. I also have Spondylosis and a few other maladies in my lumbar spine. Also have cervical (pinched nerve) and thoracic spinal issues. I'm a mess.

At least I don't have sciatica. :)

I have choices of different surgeries, but I'm holding out as long as I can. My aunt had the same problems in the '60s and was paralyzed by the surgery to fix her. I know it's a different era in medicine, but that scares me.

Charlestongirl said...

Soni, thank you SO MUCH! I will try to use it tonight.

Chateepatee said...

Can't say I blame you CG for going the route of injections for your back problems. It's a tough call sometimes as the shots are painful themselves- but you are a true warrior! I wish you all the relief you can get, by whatever method works. Hope you feel better soon!
I really enjoyed this weeks postings- all the new products sound so exciting- and colorful.
I chose to melt the credit card with a complete "bombs away" on the new Burberry Trench Kisses AW 13 collection.
I didn't buy everything- just most of it!
Burberry's makeup is simply lovely, and so natural looking. I love a heavy smoky eye, and lots of lip color- BUT- not for church, or an easy weekend with friends. Nobody does natural enhancing of ones complexion better than Mr. Bailey.
What was my haul? 2 nail polishes , 3 shadows, 3 Kohl pencils- 2 lip glows and their fab concealer/ highlighter.
A few items from the collection weren't yet available- but they'll show up on my doorstep soon I hope!
Do I sound like a promotor for the line? Well I'm not- but it's a great option for women who need and crave a fresh, ageless look for work or play.
Wishing you a relaxing weekend everyone!

Patclark02@gmail.com said...

C Girl! My post is about your back issues! Have been exactly where u r and had my limit on epidurals. The amazing answer was solved when I started a "rowing" with a fabulous trainer on a concept 2 machine! Unbelievable results within one week! I was able to cancel my scheduled epidural.
If you can possibly find a trainer in your area, give it a try. Technic done properly will build your core without pain and get pressure off the sciatic nerve!!
I am 70 years old and I love my rowing as much as you love beauty products---which I love too!!! Best wishes to you. Literally I feel your pain!!!

Mamavalveeta03 said...

Sorry about your scoliosis. All 3 of my daughters have it, but only the eldest and the youngest had to be monitored constantly throughout adolescence. My eldest has 2 curves; one in the neck and one in the thoracic region of the upper back. My youngest just received the "all clear," for now anyway, on not having to get a brace. But she's about as close as you can come (21-23 degrees of curvature, and also, 2 curves) without actually having one. Were you diagnosed young? I picked up on it with our oldest daughter, and took it upon myself to learn everything I could about the condition when she started seeing a specialist.

Well, on to other things...(The little things don't seem so major when you are dealing with health issues in your children!). I bought myself NEST "Passiflora" after you described it as a fresh, green scent. And I adore it! I only wish I had it earlier in the summer. I also got FRESH Lip Balm in "Petal" and I seem to gravitate toward it everyday. I love the way it feels on my lips, and that it doesn't disappear right away.

Have fun with the fairy dust!! I know how good it can make you feel, even if only for a day!

Anonymous said...

I am sorry to hear about your back problems :-( Makes me realize how lucky one should feel just being okay.